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Aug 21, 2024 · 4/4 Time Signature: In this guide, we are using one bar count in a 4/4 time signature to explain the strumming styles. A 4/4 beat consists of 4 quarter notes that are equally spaced from each other, and we have named them 1,2,3, and 4 in our charts.
In this lesson, I’ll show you two “must know” patterns. These patterns are easy to learn, and your chord playing will sound better right away.
- 6 min
- 2.5K
- Godfrey Guitar
- Strum Pattern #1 Downstrum on every beat. When strumming a guitar, you’ll use both downstrums (i.e. where your strumming hand moves down) and upstrums (where your strumming hand moves back up).
- Strum Pattern #2 Adding two upstrums. Now that you’ve gotten a basic feel for this strumming thing, the next step is to start adding some upstrums. Here’s a pattern that's similar to the first pattern we saw, but with two upstrums added in.
- Strum Pattern #3 Adding three upstrums. This next pattern is similar to the last one. We'll add in just one more upstrum. See if you can hear it in this song.
- Strum Pattern #4 Downstrum on the downbeat, Upstrum on the upbeat. You might have noticed a certain logic in when we’re playing downstrums and when we’re playing upstrums: all the downstrums are on what we call ’the downbeat’: on the 1, 2, 3 or 4.
Sep 24, 2024 · Most strumming patterns are built around 8th notes or 16th notes, but don’t let those terms scare you. They simply refer to how many times you strum within a measure (a segment of music). If you're playing in 4/4 time, 8th notes mean you’ll strum eight times per measure, and 16th notes mean sixteen strums. Easy enough, right?
- 4/4 Time. For today’s lesson, I’ll just stick to 4/4 time – it’s the most common time signature in modern music. The first four means that there are four beats to one measure, and the second four means that a quater note takes up one of those beats.
- Counting. To count 4/4 time, just count to four. Each of those counts (1, 2, 3, 4) is a quarter note. Another way to count is with your feet. Just tap your foot so that your toe hits the ground with each count.
- Strumming. If you’re just beginning, the first exercise you should practice is to do a down-strum on each beat (or quarter note). So, the strumming pattern would look like this
- Some tips. Try to do most of the strumming in your wrist and keep your elbow fairly motionless. This will help you strum faster and more accurately. Try to keep your hand moving fluidly.
May 1, 2024 · Reggae rhythm is all about accenting beats 2 and 4, rather than 1 and 3. This one uses eighth notes, with the first two muted, the second two strummed. The third pair is also muted, whilst 4 has a strum followed by a rest.
Nov 2, 2022 · On the 2 and 4 of every measure, you’ll play an emphasized muted strum. This muted strum actually emulates what a snare drum would do in a typical drum beat. A song that uses this strumming pattern: Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival. Depending on who you are, this is either going to be a pattern you love or hate.
